the girls.

Last weekend, I went to Flat Rock, NC with my mom and my little sisters.  The girls are in the AG program at school and participated in Destination Imagination, a competition for the "smart kids."  The girls were on a team that performed a silent skit in which they had to write the plot, design their costumes, and create a disguise for at least 2 characters...I think that was the requirement, anyway.  They did an awesome job, bringing home FIRST place!

How cute are they?!  They had such a good time, and I am thankful I could be there to share the experience with them.  On a side note, it is truly the first time I've realized how much they are growing up.  Ten years old doesn't sound very grown up (and I realize it's not that old), but it's a long way from the little babies they were yesterday.  They've developed very unique personalities.  They have different interests.  They're silly, but they're smart.  They are absolutely beautiful, and I feel sorry for the boys who will meet my dad one day.  What I love most though, is that they all three have a heart of gold.  They love each other, they love their family, and they love Jesus.  It doesn't get any better than that!

On the way there, mom and I did some shopping...always a plus...and we spent quality time together while we were there.  We don't get the opportunity to do that often.

It was hard to go back to work this week after two long weekends.  Back to reality.  Yuck.  On the plus side, Spring Break starts in exactly one week!  We've got some pretty exciting things planned for the break, most important being me and Bo's ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!  Yep, we made it a whole year :) I can't wait for all that God has in store for us for many more to come.

bittersweet.

This weekend was the big weekend.  The team left New Bern, excited about the experience ahead of us.  Unfortunately, we didn't leave Florida today with a trophy; however, I left feeling incredibly proud of the 16 girls I'm lucky enough to coach.  They spent a lot of time preparing and practicing for the moment when they took stage at Hard Rock Live.  While they didn't win the competition, they certainly walked away from this experience with so many good memories.  They've also learned a lot about hard work and dedication in the process.  

Here's our weekend in a nutshell...

At the park with Danielle, our choreographer, who has become a great friend <3

The girls 

Supportive husband <3

Right before competition...

Cuties.

Catching some waves!

Favorite ride!

Butterbeer at Harry Potter World...my favorite.  A MUST-HAVE!

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I can honestly say that I learned a lot from this experience too.  I'm learning to be ok with the fact that there's not always an answer for everything, but God always has a bigger purpose and plan.  For that, I'm so very thankful.

fresh look.

What do you think?!  Thanks to Little Leaf, confessions & freckles has a new look.  I'm in love with it...it's super cute, but not overdone.  I've been holding off posting until all of the changes were complete.  So, here we are.

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Bo and I have been two very busy bees the last several weeks.  He's been getting ready for the Individual State Wrestling Tournament and I've been spending much of my time getting my girls ready for Nationals next week.  Between working full time, long practices after school, and being full time grad students, we are stretched thin right now.  But we are truly enjoying every moment of the ride.  Since my last post, so many things have happened--Valentine's Day, my brother's birthday, visits with out-of-town family...the list could go on.  Rather than recap on it all, I thought you might like a peek into the madness.

Heart-shaped bagel for breakfast

Conversation hearts + glue gun + love = perfect card

Heading out for our V-day date <3

Hello SLEET and SNOW!  It was SO cold that night!

Perfect ending to a perfect night :)

There's been lots of Bachelor-watching going on at my house...and you can see what the rest of the family does during this time.

Stopped to snap this picture on the way to work...thankful for what God created.  

Holy frozen yogurt.  Get in my belly!

Sisters' Day Out

A card and flowers from my best friend...just because.

The team that prays together, stays together.  

My beauties

Before the match...

Coach love

State Champion and teammate/drill partner/friend

Mommy/daughter love

Currently reading and LOVING it.

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Like I said, just a peek.

This week, my girls will put the finishing touches on our routine and we leave Friday to head to Orlando.  Preliminary competition starts Saturday and finals will be held on Sunday.  The girls have worked so hard to get ready, both mentally and physically, for this competition.  They'll compete against teams from all over the nation in the category of Pom.  We are more excited than ever for the trip.  I'll be sure to post updates and pictures while we're there.

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On another note, I've just started Chalene Johnson's 30-Day Push Challenge.  I know a few who've taken the challenge already and they said it helped them to make the changes they needed in order to reach some of their personal goals.  Today is only my first day of the challenge, but I'm committing to finish it.  I hope to post feedback along the way.  If you're interested, check the site out.  The best part about it...it's FREE.

Ok guys, I've got a school yearbook to finish, a gym visit on tap, and a trip to the grocery store calling my name.  Hoping to sneak some reading somewhere in there too...